Klapp

Toomas Valk, Jalmar Vabarna and Kristjan Priks are the inheritors of the dance music traditions of Setumaa (South Eastern Estonia). A culturally and musically unique enclave bordering, and historically influenced by, Estonia and Russia. "Klapp" infuse the grand old traditions with refreshing originality satisfying both the village dancers and the sophisticated urban listener. Toomas Valk is a virtuoso; the foremost, competition winning, exponent of the karmoshka (a Russian 2-row diatonic accordion). His ability to coax a constant stream of surprising, inventive melody and tonal possibilities from an essentially limited instrument is nothing short of wondrous. Kristjan Priks conspires to make a tambourine sound like an exquisitely played, jazz-tinged drum kit. He is also a fine performer of the Estonian bagpipe. Whether driving a rhythm or skittishly flirting with melody his deep-thinking approach informs the band's vision. Jalmar Vabarna brings an infectious youthful enthusiasm and charm to his propulsive acoustic guitar playing. He comes from a long line of Setu musicians – his great grandmother was the most talented and famous singer and creator of verse in Setumaa. A performance by "Klapp" is filled with energy. Three young men with acoustic instruments, garbed in traditional clothes, draw upon a deep well of traditional musics, subtly blended with their own compositions, to create an experience at once deeply moving and irresistibly danceable.